Acadia Scholar
Not a member yet
4433 research outputs found
Sort by
Petrology and age of felsic volcanic rocks of the Coldbrook Group and associated granitic plutons, Caledonia terrane, Southern New Brunswick, Canada
No full textThe Coldbrook Group is a unique suite of late Ediacaran volcanic and epiclastic rocks that together with related plutons formed during a short (<10 Myr) magmatic episode in the Avalonian Caledonia terrane of southern New Brunswick, Canada. In this study, petrographic and geochemical data combined with U-Pb zircon dating and zircon chemistry are used to provide new insight about the origin, evolution, and age of the voluminous silicic volcanic rocks of the Silver Hill Formation that dominate the upper part of the Coldbrook Group and clarify their previously postulated relationship to associated high-level granitic plutons of the Bonnell Brook suite. Based on textural criteria the silicic volcanic rocks are mainly eutaxitic pyroclastic rocks with less abundant lavas characterized by porphyritic and eutaxitic textures. Variations in whole-rock chemical characteristics, zircon chemistry and age show that silicic volcanic rocks of
the Silver Hill Formation and the associated granitic plutons are not all cogenetic, and differences in zircon population morphology are used to investigate magma evolution processes among the dated samples. Rhyolite in the Silver Hill type area yielded a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 551.65 ± 0.15 Ma, similar within error to the age of 551.71 ± 0.15 Ma for a nearby fine-grained granite dome. Whole-rock and zircon chemistry suggest that the main body of the Bonnell Brook pluton was emplaced at a deeper level and is not cogenetic with the fine-grained granite and Silver Hill rhyolite. The main belt of rhyolite in the Fundy Trail Parkway area is younger at 549.18 ± 0.07 Ma, consistent with an age of 551.19 ± 0.20 Ma, obtained for an underlying lithic tuff unit. Transitional felsic I- to A-type chemical signatures suggest that magmatism occurred in an extensional within-plate setting, consistent with the tectonic regime at
that time throughout Avalonia, but the cause of the exceptionally voluminous magmatism in the Caledonia terrane remains uncertain
Associations of, and interactions among, Helminths in coyotes (Canis latrans)
No full textVariables that can influence health include age, sex, diet, condition, and parasites. Parasitism, by definition, is a relationship in which a parasite exploits (e.g., by feeding on tissue) its host. Animals
come in contact with parasites frequently, including from feeding, and interacting with conspecifics and their environment, which may result in individuals harbouring multiple species of parasites. Parasites can cause hosts to upregulate their immunity, to spend energy repairing tissue damage, and to lose nutrients. It is assumed that these three demands will decrease host health. To evaluate this, I quantified coyote health using three indices, and tested if host health was related to helminth intensities and species richness. There were no significant relationships between log-intensity tracheal nodules or Taenia sp. tapeworms and the three measures of host health (Ps >0.07); however, there was a significant negative relationship between log-intensity Crenosoma vulpis
fox lungworms and condition (P= 0.04), and log-intensity Uncinaria stenocephala hookworms and size (P= 0.02), condition (P= 0.04), and kidney-femur fat index (P< 0.01). Next, I tested if coinfections were independent, and if helminth interactions were positive, negative, or negligible. Coyotes infected with tracheal nodules (Oslerus osleri) were more likely to be also infected with
fox lungworms (Crenosoma vulpis; P= 0.0002), but four other pairs of helminth infections appeared to be independent of one another (Ps>0.18). Interactions were undetectable for four of the five helminth combinations tested (P>0.13). However, mean intensities of Taenia sp. tapeworms were significantly higher in coyotes that also had hookworms (Uncinaria stenocephala; P= 0.03), consistent with a positive numeric response. This study found significant negative relationships between host health and some helminths, but associations were not universal for all species. Parasites are of concern for all organisms including humans, and investigating these relationships are important in improving our understanding of how to protect ourselves against infection
Towards sustainability: characterizing the properties of a chicken and yellow pea meat analogue burger
No full textLivestock production has detrimental impacts on the environment and has resulted in a need to shift consumers to more sustainable protein sources. Legumes are a sustainable protein source option; however, innovative novel food products are needed to increase consumer consumption of legumes and reduce animal protein consumption. Meat analogues are a new food item that combines both plant and animal proteins. This study's objectives were to create a new meat analogue product, a burger using yellow peas and chicken, and to characterize the chemical composition, physical, and textural properties of the meat analogue. Yellow pea flour was added to the chicken at 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% levels of substitution. The samples were analyzed for
their ash, protein, fat, and moisture contents using AOAC methods. The water activity, pH, water holding capacity, oil holding capacity, cooking yield, diameter and thickness reductions were also
determined, along with a textural profile analysis. The yellow pea flour reduced the protein content and moisture content in the raw and cooked meat analogues. The fat content decreased in the raw samples but increased in the cooked samples. The yellow pea flour also improved the samples' cooking properties with increased cooking yield and decreased diameter and thickness reduction. The yellow pea flour also reduced the cohesiveness and springiness of the samples. This project demonstrated that yellow pea flour could be combined with chicken to make a novel
food product; however, further research of the sensory properties is needed to determine consumer acceptability of this product
Exploring expression of tp53 in zebrafish, Danio rerio, in response to exogenous cannabinoids and stress
No full textThe endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an essential signalling network in vertebrates that includes essential receptors, enzymes, and transporter proteins of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The ECS includes cannabinoid receptors divided into CB1R and CB2R subtypes, which are part of the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) family. These, in turn, activate the c-JUN N-terminal kinases (JNK) pathway. The JNK pathway facilitates a range of abiotic and biotic stress effects that regulate physiological processes such as inflammation, neuronal functions, cell death and survival pathways, and more. In this experiment, zebrafish (Danio rerio) received no treatment (control), or treatment with cannabinoids CBD or THC, and were then subjected to a novel tank diving test. Gills and brain tissue underwent RT-qPCR with target gene tp53 and housekeeping gene elfa. For statistical analyses, ∆∆Cq datawere used to normalize the expression of tp53 using qPCR, and expression levels were compared based on the treatment group. The data indicated no statistically significant difference in tp53 expression for zebrafish treated with CBD or THC.Due to
time limit constraints, the expression for cannabinoid receptor genes cnr1 and cnr2 was not explored, however, primers for amplifying these genes were designed and optimized
Disability, impairment and quality of life post cardiac event: the role of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation
No full textHeart disease and stroke represent the 2nd and 3rd leading cause of death in Nova Scotia; however, survival rates in these clinical populations are high and continuing to improve. The purpose of this study is to examine the following three research questions: Are there relationships between a cardiac patient's level of mild cognitive impairment versus their perceived level of disability? Does participation in an exercise and education-based CR program change a patient's cognitive abilities as well as their perceptions of disability? And finally, does the level of mild cognitive impairment
and perceived level of disability predict cardiac patient QOL? Patients attending the Extended Warranty II Cardiac Rehabilitation Program completed four questionnaires measuring cognitive functioning, disability, self-efficacy (SE), and QOL at the start and end of the program. Results showed no relationship between overall perceived level of disability and functional capacity or cognitive impairment, although select aspects within those constructs were related to specific aspects of disability. There was no significant difference in cognitive impairment and perceptions of disability from T1 and T2 of the program. Lastly, impairment status (cognitive functioning) and perceived level of disability at baseline, predicted QOL post CR, with cognitive functioning as the strongest predictor ((b= 0.93, R2 = 0.86). The results of this study will highlight the effects of an exercise-based CR program on QOL, disability perceptions, cognitive impairment and SE. Knowing the effects may inform CR practices to improve the clinical understanding of cardiac event survivors with the goal of achieving a better QOL for these patients while reducing hospital readmits
Use of image analysis software to assess American eel (Anguilla rostrata) elver external pigment development
No full textRuns of American eel (A. rostrata) elvers exhibit pronounced variability in body length, body weight and degree of external pigmentation within-season and among-years. These factors are thought to influence the level of recruitment to the standing stock of yellow eels and eventually adult production, and they can potentially influence the value of the landed catch from the commercial fishery. Documentation of within-and among-year variability in these traits is time consuming, susceptible to measurement error both in accuracy and precision and in the case of external pigmentation subject to observer bias in interpretation of categorical criteria. This study evaluates the potential usefulness of image analysis to quantify the development of elver pigmentation as a continuous variable using pixel intensity and to estimate elver lengths. Scanned images of elvers were assessed using ImageJ photo analysis software to quantify the development of elver pigment using pixel intensity of strategically selected areas within the elver body creating a pigment index. The index revealed a sigmoidal progression of body pigmentation with time within-years. Comparison of index values derived from the scanned images are shown to be more informative as a means to assess pigment development with time than are categorical indices in current use. The new index allows for pigment development to be treated as a continuous variable when relating physiological development to biological, ecological, and environmental factors
"Figures of freedom ": new monastic communities as a study in radical Free Church ecclesiology
No full textBased on the figural dynamism of the Scriptures and the convictions of Free Church Baptistic thinkers such as James Wm. McClendon, jr., radical expressions of New Monasticism qualify as
a viable ecclesial expression and contribute to how churches can faithful live out the way of Jesus Christ in the present culture. Thus, this thesis attempts to rectify this discrepancy by
demonstrating New Monasticism's viability and its opportunity as a radical contribution to Free Church ecclesiology. New Monastic communities are a radical expression of the Christian Church and are justified given the following: (1) the figural centre of the cross, kingdom, and Spirit of the New Testament ecclesiology, displaying both diversity and dynamism; (2) the central convictions of Free Church ecclesiology as developed in James Wm. McClendon jr.'s baptist theology; and (3), that it succeeds in practically living out the 'Jesus Way' in a way that could encourage other Free Churches to explore contextual possibilities
Estimating the physics of an automobile collision from images
No full textEstimating the type and severity of an injury suffered in a car crash shortly after an accident is a challenging task. However, such estimates are important to the insurance industry. Using the change in velocity of the vehicle involved in an accident (Delta-V) as well as the Location of Collision (LOC) and the Principal Direction of Force (PDOF), the severity of the crash can be predicted, and eventually, the typeof injury suffered by the occupants can be estimated. Currently, the methods for measuring Delta-V are telematics, mathematical simulations, and manual estimation from images. In our research, we introduce a deep learning and computer vision based approach to estimate Delta-V using images of the vehicle involved in the accident; hence, streamlining the insurance claim process. In this research, the models are developed using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to predict Delta-V and classify LOC and PDOF. Since the prediction of Delta-V from car crash images using machine learning is an unexplored field, we prove that deep learning can be used to solve this problem by developing a proof-of-concept. We create car-crash simulations using the Rigs of Rods simulator, which uses a soft-body physics engine to simulate the vehicle's motion destruction and deformation. The images from the simulations
are used to develop the baseline models to predict the crash velocity. The results provide strong evidence that the convolutional neural network models can be developed to predict Delta-V from the images. Based on these results, we develop models using real-world collision images to predict Delta-V and classify LOC and PDOF. The resulting models predict Delta-V with a mean absolute error of 3.83 km/hr for frontal collisions and 3.49 km/hr for rear-end collisions by applying fine-tuning and image-processing. We demonstrate a Multiple-Task Learning (MTL) model to predict Delta-V and classify the location of the collision. The MTL model has a mean absolute error of 4.19 km/hr for Delta-V and test accuracy of 92% for classification of LOC. The Single-Task Learning (STL) model to classify the PDOF has a test accuracy of 34.44%. The final MTL model has a mean absolute error of 6.56 km/hr for Delta-V prediction and a test accuracy of 32.22% for PDOF classification
A demographic report of a new subpopulation and the environmental effects on nesting ecology of Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) found in Nova Scotia
No full textChapter 2. Abstract: In 2016 a group of Blanding's Turtles were discovered in a small area in southwestern Nova Scotia near the community of Bangs Falls. The surrounding area was used primarily by the near-by lumber mill for commercial tree harvesting. Blanding's Turtles inhabit various wetland types throughout the year to meet their needs. Thus, the importance of
understanding how much of the area was used by the turtles to facilitate protection of the land necessary for their survival. A capture-mark-recapture program has been conducted over four years
in the area and morphological data for each individual was recorded. The time and heterogeneity model in the program MARK was used to estimate the number of turtles in the new area as well as to update estimates from the known subpopulations. The Bangs Falls turtles were observed using similar habitat as Blanding's Turtles throughout their range. A total of 500 traps were set and 571 survey hours were done between May and August in 2018 and 2019. Resulting in 154 Blanding's Turtles observations of 66 individuals. They are comparable in weight and length to the Blanding's Turtles found in Pleasant River and McGowan Lake. The number of Blanding's Turtles in the Bangs Falls subpopulationwas estimated to be 77-116 individuals. The total population estimate for Blanding's Turtles in Nova Scotia increased from ~350 individuals to 557 (95% CI: 521-608) individuals.
Chapter 3. Abstract: Hatching success in oviparous reptiles varies with environmental factors. The cool climate in Nova Scotia was likely a contributor to low hatching success in Blanding's Turtles
compared to other parts of their range (Standing et al.,1999). Nesting data for Blanding's Turtles and environmental factors were recorded. Air temperature was used as a proxy to estimate nest temperatures. Temperature was the best criterion for predicting hatching success and was significantly better than models using variations of degree day. Although the nesting period for Blanding's Turtles in Nova Scotia was similar to those throughout the species geographic range, the mean incubation period was up to 16 days longer and the average emergence rate was low (~42%). The model showed significant increase of hatching success with mean temperature and the data of hatch success over time showed an increasing trend. Rising temperatures will likely lead to increased
hatching success of Blanding's Turtles in Nova Scotia for a short period of time, until the temperature rises above that in which they can develop successfully. Additionally, rising temperature will skew sex ratios effectively putting the population at risk of extinction due to limited fertilization opportunities and decreased genetic diversity
Should you always believe in what you hear?: an analysis of modality fusion brought on by the McGurk effect using online testing
No full textThe McGurk effect is a perceptual illusion that binds incoming audio-visual information causing the perception of a novel speech sound. A related effect known as Visual Capture occurs when visual stimuli override auditory stimuli, inducing the perception of a speech sound that is congruent with visual stimuli. These effects can be studied to facilitate the understanding of the fusion of sensory modalities within the brain (i.e., multisensory integration). In the current study, the McGurk effect and Visual Capture were tested using an online audio-visual speech perception paradigm developed using Gorilla.sc. Susceptibility to the McGurk effect was compared to susceptibility to Visual Capture in a sample of 47 participants through the examination of perceptual decisions and reaction times. It was hypothesized that the McGurk effect would be observed using this novel online paradigm, and that the effect would require more cognitive resources (measured via longer reaction times) than both Visual Capture and control processing. Results showed significant McGurk and Visual Capture effects, with participants being split into McGurk and NonMcGurk Responders based on illusory susceptibility. For congruent speech stimuli, McGurk Responders reacted significantly faster than NonMcGurk Responders when visual information was present, and significantly slower
when lacking visual information. The results suggest that an online platform can be used to examine multisensory processing and susceptibility to the McGurk effect seems to reflect greater responsiveness to visual information during speech